One of seven Park visitor centers, the Bowles House sits along an empty canal bed in Hancock.
Preserving America's early transportation history, the C&O Canal began as a dream of passage to Western wealth. Operating for nearly 100 years the canal was a lifeline for communities along the Potomac River as coal, lumber, and agricultural products floated down the waterway to market. Today it endures as a pathway for discovering historical, natural, and recreational treasures.
This fall, the National Park Service (NPS) will close the Four Locks (mile 108.9) boat ramp and adjacent parking lot at Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park for repairs starting in October through the winter. The closures will not affect the towpath or access along the adjacent public roadways.
Fletchers Cove, a beloved part of Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, is set for an important restoration funded by fees that park visitors pay for park entry, camping and special activities through the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA). The money is used for facilities and services that improve visitors’ experiences.
Eight national parks in Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia have concluded this year’s annual operations to reduce overabundant white-tailed deer. These parks donated more than 13,000 pounds of venison to local nonprofit organizations that will serve approximately 55,000 meals to families in need.
The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park has closed the Polly Pond Bridge at mile 134.3 because engineers found damage to its foundation, piers, and structure due to erosion. This bridge crosses Polly Pond Creek. Visitors should follow posted detour.